There have been some unappealing trade packages rumored for Indiana Pacers big man Domantas Sabonis this summer.
With so many trade rumors and ideas being thrown around this offseason, it appears a big move is indeed coming to the Indiana Pacers sometime soon and Domantas Sabonis may be involved. The main attraction for a Pacers trade seems to be the lack of success with a two-big lineup that includes Domontas Sabonis and Myles Turner.
Turner’s name has consistently been the one that has been involved in trade talks over the years but if the Pacers value his defense and prefer to move Sabonis, they will have to hold out for the right offer. Sabonis, a two-time All-Star and incredible offensive weapon, should demand a very comfortable package in return.
There are teams around the league who could make a solid offer to the Pacers for Domantas Sabonis without crippling Indiana’s outlook moving forward. What could a potential deal for Sabonis look like this offseason?
Just a disclaimer, this is not an advocation of trading away Sabonis simply to trade him. While I do think trading him for the right price is the best option this summer, forcing a trade would be far from ideal.
Here are three trades that would be worth exploring for Domantas Sabonis and the Indiana Pacers.
The Indiana Pacers and Golden State Warriors make a deal
The Pacers and Warriors have been linked in potential trade rumors for a while, typically with a deal centered around Myles Turner. This time, however, we take a look at a deal for the other center in Indiana.
Golden State is reportedly interested in trading both of their first-round picks in the 2021 NBA Draft in exchange for a proven starter, which happens to be exactly what the Pacers have in Sabonis. Andrew Wiggins is also a very good wing who could help the Pacers on both ends immediately.
Jeremy Lamb has not been good since arriving in Indiana with injuries slowing him down whenever he would get into a groove. Adding him to the deal is simply to match money but the Pacers would take on a high cost for Wiggins, though I’d argue it is worth it.
This trade would also open things up for the Pacers in the upcoming draft as they would have the No. 7, 13, and 14 picks with a chance to trade up or stock up on young players. This could get Indiana into the range for Scottie Barnes or Jonathan Kuminga to continue adding depth to the wing.
Keeping all three draft picks would allow the Pacers to potentially add a wing, a backup guard, and a high-upside player worth developing. If the Warriors want to push for another title now that they are healthy, flipping Wiggins for Sabonis could be the move that gets them there.
The Spurs make an offer the Indiana Pacers cannot refuse
The Spurs have reportedly made it known that Dejounte Murray is available via trade this summer. His defensive dominance and driving ability make him a perfect fit for the Pacers as they look toward a new future. If he can continue to grow on the offensive end, Murray has all the makings to be a very good starter in the NBA.
Devin Vassell was a lottery pick just a year ago and offers plenty of defensive upside of his own, following the trend of Florida State wings who thrive in the NBA. There would probably need to be more moves made beyond this trade but the Pacers would immensely improve their defense with this deal.
Adding two young defenders with offensive upside and a future first-round pick for a player with All-Star talent is about what you would expect. This is the type of deal that could get the Spurs back into the playoffs out west while the Pacers would rely on the return of T.J. Warren and a handful of newcomers to do so themselves.
Paying $14 million per year for a backup guard would not be ideal so this trade could also signal a move of Malcolm Brogdon later this summer. The Pacers have the roster makeup to be dangerous in the Eastern Conference but they need to be consistent on both ends. This is a move that can do exactly that.